Just when the food bank’s stock is low, and the summer demand is approaching, the National Association of Letter Carriers is joining United Way of Central Alabama and the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama for the 25th Annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 13, 2017.
The simplicity and efficiency of the drive are what make it the largest in Alabama. It comes at a time when most food banks have depleted donations through end-of-year holiday food distributions.
Residents are encouraged to place food items in a plastic bag and leave them in their mailbox. Mail carriers will pick up your food donations on Saturday, May 13, the day before Mother’s Day. Residents can also drop off food donations at their local post office.
The Community Food Bank recommends you donate non-perishable canned goods and boxed items. The most needed items include canned meats, fruits, vegetables (low sodium) and soups. Dry goods such as cereal and pasta are also welcome.
“Many people across the state struggle with hunger every day. Letter carriers see many of these folks along our routes each day,” said NALC Alabama state president Antonia Shields. “This food drive can help us meet the needs of the communities where we see the needs first-hand.”
Many Alabamians live from one day to the next uncertain where their next meal will come from. About 19.2 percent of Alabama’s population are food insecure, which equates to more than 900,000 people – a statistic that helps reinforce the need for essential events like the Stamp Out Hunger food drive.
Last year residents donated approximately 161,000 pounds of food during this community-wide food drive. This year the goal is 200,000 pounds.
“We see the need spike when schools close for summer and children no longer have access free school meals,” said Community Food Bank executive director Kathryn Strickland. “We so appreciate the community rallying to replenish our food supplies right before the summer months.”
The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama’s mission is to feed people in need today and foster collaborative solutions to end hunger tomorrow. We accomplish this mission by supplying 10 million meals a year to 230 food pantries, shelters and children’s programs in 12 counties of Central Alabama.
Each year United Way partners with the NALC and Community Food Bank of Central Alabama as indispensable partners in our broader mission to create real and lasting change in Central Alabama.